Deer Hunters Beware!
by Jim Low
Firewood looks harmless, but it can harbor the emerald ash borer, a devastating forest pest. Hunters are urged not to move firewood to and from their camps. Instead, buy firewood locally and burn it all before returning home.
Missouri’s firearms deer season is coming up, and hunters need to be careful not to spread a forest pest that could take a terrible toll on the state’s forests.
The emerald ash borer (EAB), a small, metallic-green beetle whose larvae tunnel under the bark of ash trees, always kills its victims. Millions of ash trees have succumbed to the EAB in states north and east of Missouri. Last year the pest turned up in the Sh0w-Me State for the first time. Forestry, agriculture and conservation agencies are doing their best to contain that outbreak in Wayne County and to detect new infestations early enough to do something about them.
What does this have to do with deer season? Many deer hunters travel around the state to reach their favorite hunting spots. Often, they camp out, and nothing cuts November’s chill like a roaring campfire. That means lots of firewood, traditionally moves around the state with hunters. It’s a tradition that could prove devastating for the state’s forests, because infested firewood is the EAB’s most common way of spreading.
You don’t want to see the woods where you hunt devastated, so leave firewood at home this year. Instead, buy firewood locally, and be sure to burn it all before heading home. Moving firewood is a tradition Missouri’s forests no longer can afford.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
This is good to know. I dont camp when I hunt but I know people that do so I can spread the word.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:02 am
Apparently, this invasive species was accidentally imported from Asia sometime in the late 1990’s and has destroyed ash trees in Canada and the upper midwest. Hopefully we can contain this outbreak with common sense rules to include using local firewood.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Unfortunately it takes a LOT of wood to make a good fire and keep it going well if you burn it over several days/nights. Most places don’t allow the cutting of wood at the sites and the places that sell wood are now charging such exorbitant prices that it is becoming prohibitive and leaves poorer hunters only two choices — bring their own wood or go without the fire. Seems MDC should come up with a solution here since they want us to stop moving wood — maybe a cap on the amount charged for wood at campsites / other places.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
We have enough regulations already. Let’s not leave it up to a government entity to come up with solutions for us. If you’re going to be in a location long enough to need that much wood, it shouldn’t be a problem to visit the area a few times before the season to prepare a wood pile for use in season. Many times we’re there scouting several times before the season opener, let’s use the time wisely and prepare before opening day.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Is there a “safe” kind of wood, such as white oak, or is there a chance that all species could be infected with the pest.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
bottom line, don’t move wood. if you have limited funds, try putting away a tiny amount each month all year for firewood. realistically though, several friends are out there together and even in dire financial times a group can scrounge enough cash for firewood for several days. MDC could begin just leaving piles of logs that have blocked roads from storms on site for hunters or campers to split and use. other states do this, just have to watch liability for when tweedle dee decides to chop his ankle off. (a few well placed signs and not providing the axe should be sufficient)
November 16th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Mr. Schlipp:
The Emerald Ash Borer only infects ash trees. Because most people wouldn’t be able to identify ash wood from other species, it’s safer to recommend not transporting firewood. There are other pests that can infect oaks too but not the ash borer.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
this is similar to moving your boat from salt water to fresh water. being careful is the best advice.Thanks for reminding everyone.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
You might want to rethink the word “tradition.” Not only is it used a few times too often in this article, but also it’s a poor choice. People don’t like to break “traditions.” But, they might be willing to break “bad habits.”